The Australian government has confirmed support for Papua New Guinea's bid to field in a team in the Australian National Rugby League competition.

Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Richard Marles announced this at the conclusion of the 21st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.

He also challenged the NRL to ensure that PNG's dream for the sport comes true.

Australia also pledged K10m Kina to support for a development program of the code in school levels.

Mr Marles says that PNG is a rugby mad country and it had done all it could to get into the NRL.

And he called on the NRL to step up and recognise the efforts of the PNG-NRL Bid.

He adds that PNG deserves to be in the NRL and that its enthusiasm must be recognised.

The Australian government have committed 4 million Australian Dollars to pilot the project in schools, involving the Education Department of PNG, Australian Rugby League and Australian Sports Commission. NBC